Maison Law guides injury victims through the legal process after an accident in California. You have certain options when you’re hurt, namely the ability to file a lawsuit. But a lawsuit isn’t easy, and it can take a while as you make your way through that process. Regardless, we’ll be there to support you. If you want to talk about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You File a Lawsuit After an Accident?
The question of should you file a lawsuit after an accident depends on your needs. More importantly, though, it’s entirely up to you. But remember, an accident can happen to you at any time in California, and leave you facing injuries. Most of the time, it’s going to involve things like:
- Car, bicycle, motorcycle, or truck accidents
- Slip and falls
- Injuries from defective or dangerous products
- Workplace injuries
- Dog bites
When it comes to recovering the financial support that California law makes available to you after one of these accidents, a lawsuit is one of your main options. Here’s generally how a lawsuit works:
- You file a Complaint in civil court with us representing you, and then we handle discovery, hearings, negotiations, mediation, and potentially, a trial. A lawsuit is a formal court action, and it’s overseen by a judge, so it takes much longer than an insurance claim, but it also gives you a more fair settlement because it’s impartial.
While no outcome is ever guaranteed, having an experienced legal team increases your chances of recovering financial support for your losses–known legally as “damages.”
What Damages Can You Get in a Lawsuit?
At its core, filing a lawsuit is about getting damages from the person or group that’s responsible for causing the accident and your injuries. In simpler terms, this is what you’ve lost due to your injury. Every lawsuit is different, but generally, you can recover the following damages when you file one:
- Medical expenses – This covers hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care.
- Lost income – This covers any income you’ve lost due to the injury and any future earning potential that’s been affected if you can’t work anymore.
- Property damage – This is for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged belongings, such as your car or personal items.
- Pain and suffering – These damages are meant to cover costs for the physical pain, discomfort, and mental toll the injury has taken on your life.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, these damages are for psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident.
- Reduced quality of life – This covers costs relating to the inability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or experiences you once had.
The amount of damages you can get is going to depend on a few different factors, like your injuries, how well you’re able to show liability, and the steps you take after the accident itself. There’s also a key deadline you have to meet–in California, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. If you don’t, you can’t file one or recover damages.
Getting the Right Help After an Accident in California
After an accident, taking the right steps is essential for your safety, health, and any future claim you may file. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help – Call 911 or see a doctor immediately if you or anyone else is injured. Your health comes first.
- Report the accident to the right people – Call the police or report the accident to a store employee or property owner. Wait for police to arrive at the scene to file an official report, and make sure the store or homeowner gives you first aid. Notifying the right people is an important step because it makes them aware of the situation.
- Get information – Make sure to exchange contact and insurance details with anyone involved and gather information from witnesses if you need them later.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the scene, including injuries, property damage, and the accident location.
- Watch your statements – When talking about the accident to authorities or insurance reps, be careful with what you say. The less you say, the better. So, just stick to the facts and don’t make detailed statements where you might admit fault.
The last step is to contact our experienced California personal injury lawyers at Maison Law as soon as possible. We’ll help you understand your rights and guide you on the best steps to take for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
